Hegseth Declares Iran Has No Air Force, No Navy, No Defences Left After US Strikes
Hegseth confirms Khamenei is wounded as Trump decides Iran war's pace and timing.
United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been wounded and “likely disfigured” during ongoing military strikes amid the escalating conflict involving the United States and Iran. Speaking during a media briefing, Hegseth also stated that the overall strategy, timing and pace of the war would ultimately be determined by US President Donald Trump.
Hegseth claimed that US and Israeli forces have struck more than 15,000 targets across Iran since the conflict began, describing the campaign as a major effort to weaken the Iranian regime’s military capabilities. According to the defence secretary, the strikes have significantly reduced Iran’s ability to retaliate, with missile launches, drones and military infrastructure being destroyed or intercepted. He also said the number of Iranian missile attacks has dropped sharply, claiming their volume has declined by nearly 90 per cent.
The remarks came as the Pentagon highlighted the scale of the military campaign, referred to as Operation Fury. Hegseth said the offensive was designed to dismantle Iran’s defence structure at an unprecedented pace, arguing that the country’s air defence systems, air force and naval capabilities had been severely damaged. He added that the continued strikes were intended to eliminate Iran’s remaining defence industry infrastructure in the coming days.
Also Read: Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei Orders Strait Closure, Warns US Bases Amid Rising Tensions
Meanwhile, Iranian leadership has signalled continued resistance despite the escalating pressure. Mojtaba Khamenei recently reiterated that Iran would not yield to external pressure and warned that the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz would remain closed amid the conflict. The disruption has already triggered a global oil crisis, with crude prices rising sharply, while President Donald Trump has indicated that military operations against Iran could intensify further in the coming week.
Also Read: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Injured But Safe, Confirms President’s Son
